Is Baptist University of the Americas a Christian college?

Yes. Baptist University of the Americas is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Christian college

Baptist University of the Americas

San Antonio, TX · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Baptist General Convention of Texas · Baptist

Real cost

Average price after aid $10,964 a year

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Baptist University of the Americas is a Baptist university in San Antonio, Texas, affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Chapel meets weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. during the semester, and degree students must complete chapel and a Christian Service Program requirement. Every bachelor's program requires Old and New Testament introductions in addition to the two Bible and theology courses in the core.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

“Students gather once a week in the Student Center for a time of worship and a relevant message from the word of God.”
Source: bua.edu
“Every summer, BUA students are given an opportunity to be a part of mission and ministry efforts in their local community and beyond.”
Source: bua.edu
“BUA provides opportunities for our students to participate in Christian mission and community projects throughout the year.”
Source: bua.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

The BUA family gathers for Chapel every Tuesday at 11 a.m. during the semester, and students can miss only two chapel days per semester.

Source: bua.edu

Where do I find community?

BSM plans fun and spiritual activities through the year and offers multiple chances to serve.

Source: bua.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Students must serve at least 10 hours per semester in a local Christian church or nonprofit organization.

Source: bua.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Every Spring Break, students join others for an outreach and missions experience in South Padre Island.

Source: bua.edu

Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence is computed for four-year colleges with at least 100 undergraduates. Seminaries, graduate-only schools, and two-year colleges are not rated.

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Worship and chapel

59 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

Partly:
Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (Chapel is held once a week, on Tuesdays.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/academics/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Our BUA family (students, staff, and faculty) gathers for Chapel every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. during the school semester.”
  Chapel meets once a week, on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m., during the school semester.
Yes:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Students must register for six semesters of chapel and may miss only two chapel days per semester. The chapel page gives four semesters and the 2025-26 handbook gives an 80% attendance standard; see gaps.)
Sources (1)
1. BUA Catalog 2026-2027bua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUA-Catalog-26-27-V-2-27-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “and can only miss (2) two chapel days per semester to be counted.”
  Students must register for six semesters of chapel and may miss no more than two chapel days per semester to be counted.
Not enough information:
Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Weekly (Weekly student prayer room on Thursdays, from the 2026 events calendar.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Events | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-life/student-events · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Prayer Room – Thursdays 8:00 AM (Starts on Jan 29 - Student Center – open time for prayer)”
  A weekly student prayer room is open on Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. in the Student Center.
Not enough information:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes
Sources (1)
1. Student Spaces | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-housing/student-spaces · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Besides being our chapel and central gathering space”
  The Student Center is the university's chapel and central gathering space.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (2 weekly times documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 1 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Bible and theology

80 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Partly:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (Counts the two Bible and theology courses in the general education core that every degree student takes (The Doctrine of Grace. Baptist Distinctives and Governance). Each bachelor's program adds 24 more Bible and theology hours; the Associate of Arts adds 9.)
Sources (1)
1. BUA Catalog 2026-2027bua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUA-Catalog-26-27-V-2-27-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIBL 1303 The Doctrine of Grace 3 THEO 2303 Baptist Distinctives and Governance 3”
  The General Education Core, which every degree student takes, includes two Bible/theology courses and no worldview course.
Yes:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament are required in the bachelor's programs (Biblical/Theological Studies, Business Administration, Human Behavior, Music). The Associate of Arts is not counted.)
Sources (1)
1. BUA Catalog 2026-2027bua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUA-Catalog-26-27-V-2-27-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIBL 2300 Introduction to the Old Testament 3 BIBL 2302 Introduction to the New Testament 3”
  The Business Administration bachelor's program requires Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament.
  “BIBL 2300 Introduction to the Old Testament 3 BIBL 2302 Introduction to the New Testament 3”
  The Biblical/Theological Studies bachelor's program requires Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament.
  “BIBL 2300 Introduction to the Old Testament 3 BIBL 2302 Introduction to the New Testament 3”
  The Human Behavior bachelor's program requires Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament.
  “BIBL 2300 Introduction to the Old Testament 3 BIBL 2302 Introduction to the New Testament 3”
  The Music bachelor's program requires Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament.
Partly:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required (The core has no worldview course. Worldviews and Faith (RELI 3300) is required only in the B.A. in Biblical/Theological Studies; it is not required of all students.)
Sources (1)
1. BUA Catalog 2026-2027bua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUA-Catalog-26-27-V-2-27-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIBL 1303 The Doctrine of Grace 3 THEO 2303 Baptist Distinctives and Governance 3”
  The General Education Core, which every degree student takes, includes two Bible/theology courses and no worldview course.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (Educational principles in the 2026-27 catalog, stated as the faculty's and staff's guide to the educational approach.)
Sources (1)
1. BUA Catalog 2026-2027bua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUA-Catalog-26-27-V-2-27-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Soul—Students will develop lifelong applications of their biblical knowledge, mediated through a Christian value system, and applied in ministry.”
  The educational principles adopted by faculty and staff include applying biblical knowledge through a Christian value system.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
Sources (1)
1. BUA Catalog 2026-2027bua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUA-Catalog-26-27-V-2-27-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical/Theological Studies requires 30 semester credit hours in the major”
  A Bachelor of Arts in Biblical/Theological Studies is offered, with 30 semester hours in the major.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes (Affirmed through the Baptist Faith and Message (1963); the catalog states the affirmation.)
Sources (1)
1. BUA Catalog 2026-2027bua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUA-Catalog-26-27-V-2-27-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Baptist Faith and Message declaration adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention on May 9, 1963.”
  The university affirms the Baptist Faith and Message (1963) statement of faith.

N/A

Christian community

Not enough information · 3 of 7 found

Not enough information:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (A weekly student-led Bible study (Soul Fire) and Baptist Student Ministries.)
Sources (2)
1. Student Events | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-life/student-events · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Soul Fire - Mondays 7:30 PM (starts on Feb 2 - Tent – Student led bible study”
  A weekly student-led Bible study meets on Mondays at 7:30 p.m.
2. Student Clubs and Organizations | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-life/student-clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BSM is a big part of student life at BUA. They plan fun and spiritual activities throughout the course of the year and provide multiple opportunities Christian service on and off campus.”
  Baptist Student Ministries plans spiritual activities and Christian service opportunities for students.
Not enough information:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes (A church ministry fair is held on campus.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Events | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-life/student-events · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Sep 8 | Church Ministry Fair (Student Center ) | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM”
  A church ministry fair was held in the Student Center for students.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. BUA Catalog 2026-2027bua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUA-Catalog-26-27-V-2-27-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Office of Student Services/Enrollment Management (OSSEM) is responsible for the provision of student services including housing, student activities, health and fitness, student support programs, spiritual development, and the promotion of a healthy Christian environment.”
  An enrollment and student services office is responsible for spiritual development and a healthy Christian environment.

Missions and service

78 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes (The Christian Service Program, coordinated by the Office of Academic Affairs.)
Sources (1)
1. Christian Service Program | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/academics/christian-service-program · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Christian Service Program (CSP) is a curricular requirement for graduation for all degree students at BUA.”
  The Christian Service Program is a graduation requirement for all degree students, run by the Office of Academic Affairs.
Yes:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumRequired of all students
Sources (1)
1. Christian Service Program | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/academics/christian-service-program · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Christian Service Program (CSP) is a curricular requirement for graduation for all degree students at BUA.”
  The Christian Service Program is a graduation requirement for all degree students, run by the Office of Academic Affairs.
  “Students must demonstrate that they have served a minimum of 10 hours per semester in a local Christian church or another non-profit organization.”
  Students serve at least 10 hours a semester in a local Christian church or a non-profit organization.
Partly:
Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Several trips each year (spring break, summer and fall break); recorded as available rather than many each year.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Missions | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-life/student-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Every Spring Break, BUA students join others from local universities for a week-long outreach and missions experience in South Padre Island (SPI), Texas.”
  Students take part in a yearly spring break outreach and missions week.
Partly:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome
Sources (1)
1. Christian Service Program | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/academics/christian-service-program · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students must demonstrate that they have served a minimum of 10 hours per semester in a local Christian church or another non-profit organization.”
  Students serve at least 10 hours a semester in a local Christian church or a non-profit organization.
Partly:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome
Sources (1)
1. Student Missions | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-life/student-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The last 2 years groups have served in Monterrey, Mexico.”
  Recent Fall Break mission groups served in Monterrey, Mexico.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Student Missions | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-life/student-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BUA provides opportunities for our students to participate in Christian mission and community projects throughout the year.”
  The university offers students Christian mission and community projects throughout the year.

Strengths

Chapel meets weekly on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. during the semester, and the Student Center serves as the chapel.
Sources (2)
1. Chapel | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/academics/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Our BUA family (students, staff, and faculty) gathers for Chapel every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. during the school semester.”
  Chapel meets once a week, on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m., during the school semester.
2. Student Spaces | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-housing/student-spaces · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Besides being our chapel and central gathering space”
  The Student Center is the university's chapel and central gathering space.
Every degree student must complete the Christian Service Program, at least 10 hours a semester in a local church or non-profit.
Sources (1)
1. Christian Service Program | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/academics/christian-service-program · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Christian Service Program (CSP) is a curricular requirement for graduation for all degree students at BUA.”
  The Christian Service Program is a graduation requirement for all degree students, run by the Office of Academic Affairs.
  “Students must demonstrate that they have served a minimum of 10 hours per semester in a local Christian church or another non-profit organization.”
  Students serve at least 10 hours a semester in a local Christian church or a non-profit organization.
Each bachelor's program requires Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament.
Sources (1)
1. BUA Catalog 2026-2027bua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUA-Catalog-26-27-V-2-27-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIBL 2300 Introduction to the Old Testament 3 BIBL 2302 Introduction to the New Testament 3”
  The Business Administration bachelor's program requires Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament.
  “BIBL 2300 Introduction to the Old Testament 3 BIBL 2302 Introduction to the New Testament 3”
  The Biblical/Theological Studies bachelor's program requires Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament.
  “BIBL 2300 Introduction to the Old Testament 3 BIBL 2302 Introduction to the New Testament 3”
  The Human Behavior bachelor's program requires Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament.
  “BIBL 2300 Introduction to the Old Testament 3 BIBL 2302 Introduction to the New Testament 3”
  The Music bachelor's program requires Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament.

Concerns

The general education core requires two Bible and theology courses and no worldview course; the Worldviews and Faith course is required only in one bachelor's program.
Sources (1)
1. BUA Catalog 2026-2027bua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUA-Catalog-26-27-V-2-27-July-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIBL 1303 The Doctrine of Grace 3 THEO 2303 Baptist Distinctives and Governance 3”
  The General Education Core, which every degree student takes, includes two Bible/theology courses and no worldview course.
The weekly chapel is the only regular worship gathering published.
Sources (2)
1. Chapel | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/academics/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Our BUA family (students, staff, and faculty) gathers for Chapel every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. during the school semester.”
  Chapel meets once a week, on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m., during the school semester.
2. Student Life | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students gather once a week in the Student Center for a time of worship and a relevant message from the word of God.”
  Students gather once a week in the Student Center for worship and a message from the Bible.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Student Center (chapel)

Address: 2418 W. Ansley Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78224
Location: On campus
Facilities: chapel

View on map ↗

Source: bua.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, bua.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Baptist Student Ministries (BSM)

Sources (1)

Student Clubs and Organizations | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-life/student-clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“BSM is a big part of student life at BUA. They plan fun and spiritual activities throughout the course of the year and provide multiple opportunities Christian service on and off campus.”
Baptist Student Ministries plans spiritual activities and Christian service opportunities for students.

Christian clubs and student life

9 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 2 off campus, 4 location not published

Service 4

Beach ReachOff campus
Every Spring Break
Outreach and missions week in South Padre Island, Texas.
bua.edu
International mission tripOff campus
Fall Break, when possible
Mission trips abroad; recent groups served in Monterrey, Mexico.
bua.edu, bua.edu
Set Apart summer missions
Every summer
Summer mission and ministry service with a scholarship and travel help.
bua.edu
Christian Service Program
Required service of at least 10 hours a semester in a local church or non-profit.
bua.edu

Faith formation 1

Prayer RoomOn campus
Thursdays 8:00 AM
Open time for prayer in the Student Center.
bua.edu

Worship and prayer 1

Weekly chapelOn campus
Tuesdays 11:00 AM during the school semester
Worship with praise led by the in-house band and a message from the Bible, followed by lunch.
bua.edu

Other 1

Church Ministry FairOn campus
Church ministry fair in the Student Center.
bua.edu

Clubs and groups 2

Soul Fire
Mondays 7:30 PM
Student-led Bible study.
bua.edu
Baptist Student Ministries
Spiritual activities and Christian service opportunities on and off campus.
bua.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

Tuesday11:00 AM · During the school semester.

Prayer 1

Thursday8:00 AMStudent Center · Student prayer room, from the 2026 events calendar.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)

Chapel | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/academics/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Our BUA family (students, staff, and faculty) gathers for Chapel every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. during the school semester.”
Chapel meets once a week, on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m., during the school semester.
Student Events | Baptist University of the Americasbua.edu/student-life/student-events · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Prayer Room – Thursdays 8:00 AM (Starts on Jan 29 - Student Center – open time for prayer)”
A weekly student prayer room is open on Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. in the Student Center.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family income	Price after aid
Up to $30,000	$12,338
$30,001–$48,000	$12,264
$48,001–$75,000	$12,505
$75,001–$110,000	$3,877
Over $110,000	$9,617

Full cost of attendance before aid: $13,755 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	98
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 39% · Women 61%
First-generation students College Scorecard	55%
Total students	101
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$10,964
Cost of attendance (per year)	$13,755
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	80%
First-year retention	67%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$37,709
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	$25
Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026	About $1,177 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants	28%

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Campus facts

Setting	City
Part-time undergraduates	13%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	70%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$7,670
Students per faculty member	12 to 1
Faculty who are full-time	7%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$51,292IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm space	For about 96% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline service	San Antonio International Airport (SAT)About 14 miles away · about 30 minutes by car
Town population	1,479,835Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	San AntonioAbout 8 miles away · about 15 minutes by car
Typical weather	53°F in January · 85°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from San Antonio Kelly Afb, TX, about 4 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
Category	This campus	U.S. rate
Rape	0.00	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.00	0.04
Burglary	0.00	0.08
Motor vehicle theft	9.62	0.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is Baptist University of the Americas a Christian college?: Yes. Baptist University of the Americas is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Baptist General Convention of Texas.

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About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 444398
Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Baptist
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Baptist University of the Americas

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

Questions students ask

Academic Excellence

Faith scorecard

Worship and chapel

Bible and theology

Christian community

Missions and service

Strengths

Concerns

Campus ministry home

Student Center (chapel)

Campus ministry

Christian clubs and student life

Service 4

Faith formation 1

Worship and prayer 1

Other 1

Clubs and groups 2

Chapel, worship and prayer

Chapel 1

Prayer 1

What families pay, by income

Cost and value

Campus facts

Campus safety reports

Questions families ask

Ask the school

Reviews

Reach out

My rating and notes

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